Chapter 0: A Star Falls

It has been a mere 4 hours since a new star fell from the sky. Now the skies broil with angry blue light. The town elders have called together the most competent townsfolk together in the Dog and Pony to discuss these formidable events. Old Graegor and Claymore are currently arguing, Graegor stating that sending people out to examine the star is certain suicide, Claymore pointing out that not knowing what fresh horrors the town may face will kill everyone here.

Before either of the two arguers have a chance to respond guard, Astrik, runs into the tavern. The shades are... Gone. There are none around the border, and there's reports from the salt lane that there is nothing there either. It's almost as if the new star scared them off. Claymore seizes upon this momentum and retorts. See, we have a volunteer and the way might be safe! the Druid retorts Even if that's the case I don't want any of my rangers heading out. Claymore insists, They'll need one, to act as a guide and food source as we don't have the supplies to spare to send tangible food.

Dernal retorts to the the Rangers glower, Guarding the salt lane must deprive you of the true blessing Flynn provides to us in town, his presence will be missed...

Meanwhile Claymore drawn away from the arguing for a moment, softly speaking to Angel. For a mission of such risk as we are proposing I would not order anyone to it. You are of course welcome to consider whatever course you seem appropriate.

Old Greagor concedes, You seem to have ample people willing to throw away their lives, including a foodbringer. But I point out that the dark star is known to have been arcane in nature, and not to besmirch your knowledge Flynn your study of such forces are, shallow if I'm not mistaken. Send another arcanist with the group or I feel nothing of note will even come from their sacrifice.

Ever since the Darkstar fell everywhere became permeated by some amount of evil energy. To your divine sense this is manifest as a faint stale obnoxious odor, the new star hasn't changed this sense in any meaningful wayGreagor nods to acknowledge Evangeline, he seems to be slowly accepting that this mission will go through. Having a gifted healer such as yourself will certainly increase the odds of survival I guess, and your nack for divinity may be help in the an understanding of this object. But I still say with out someone else at least familiar with the Arcane, this mission has already failed before it's set off.

Greagor, about to complain about the number of people who are signing themselves up for death pauses just before speaking. You know what, between the two of you, indicating two Lilith and Flynn You might be able to see what's going on. We can't risk Thomaz or his boys anyway, their far to frail to survive the trip.Dernal and Claymore both nod. Claymore speaks to the assembled I'm happy with the numbers. In fact I would be reluctant to send anyone else. Were already going to be running light until you lot get back. You have your things, that will have to suffice as we don't have enough to spare. You should go talk to the Wizard before you head off, they should be that direction anyway, as it's the westward wards that are being worked on at the moment.

Claymore nods to Grigor, It would be a shame to see you leave, you and Angel are my best knights after all. I won't stop you from going though, as you are right. It seems like they will need your protection more then us.

***

After barely managing to calm the crowd to make your way through, and making what preparations was necessary, the five of you head to the western edge of the town boarder. The fiery light from the crash sight acts as a beacon shining the way. It is impossible to tell what time of day it might be, but you suspect the dim sun should be hitting the horizon soon. The arcane chants can be heard before the wizards come into view, a lot of shouting is apparently involved in the ritual. As you get closer the wizards can be seen, the three of them forming a kind of procession; taking a step, casting some salt while chanting then repeat. The wizards do not stop their work as you approach, though you are aware of the fact that you can interrupt the rite with no consequence.